WEST GEAUGA SCHOOL BOARD HEARS PARENT COMPLAINTS AND ANNOUNCES OPENING ON JOINT RECREATION BOARD
West Geauga Board of Education Regular Board Meeting with Executive Session - 6/10/2024
Meeting Details: The West Geauga Board of Education met on June 10, 2024 at 7:00 pm in the Board Office Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road in Chester Township. Meetings are open to the public and media. The meeting agenda and minutes are available online. Look for the Meeting tab in the right
hand corner. Pick the meeting you want to review and then click on “Agenda.” A video recording is
available here. The report notes the minute mark where each topic is discussed.
Board Attendance:
-
Christina Sherwood, President
-
Pam Claypool
-
Mary-Michelle Coleman Walsh
-
Kathy Leavenworth
-
Dr. William Beers, absent
Staff Attendance:
-
Richard A. Markwardt, Ph.D., Superintendent
-
Karen Pavlat, Treasurer
-
Dr. Nancy Benincasa, Assistant Superintendent
-
Amy Davis, Director of Pupil Personnel
-
Stephanie Wright, New Middle School Nurse
-
Maureen Boros, New Elementary Intervention Specialist
Other Attendees:
Call to Order - The meeting was called to order, roll call was conducted, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
1:01 Min. Public Remarks
A West Geauga School District parent asked about one of his children being denied entry to the school system. He was assured by Ms. Sherwood and Dr. Markwardt that he would receive a followup about the situation, despite previous unanswered efforts at contact.
A West Geauga parent of a third-grade student complained of bullying on the bus during the recent school year and asked about ways of dealing with such behavior. He expressed particular concern about the future proximity of younger students to the high school. Ms. Sherwood responded with assurance about followup, and Mrs. Leavenworth addressed the mingling of students.
7:54 Min. Routine Matters & Resolutions
The Board approved:
-
The Minutes from 5/20/2024 and Substitute Lists for 2023-24 and 2024-25
-
Resolutions to accept donations, decrease appropriations in FY 2024, and Then and Now Certificate(s)
-
Resolutions in Personnel, such as resignations, appointments, and teaching placements, as well as changes to contracts, per diem, stipends, and bus/van routes. Mrs. Claypool asked about exit interviews (see video at 9:28). New staff were introduced (see video 12:24).
-
Program Resolutions including changes to board policies and the certification of the 2024 High School Graduates. Ms. Sherwood abstained from the latter because her daughter is in the graduating class.
-
Business Resolutions including changes to and adoption of service agreements. Dr. Markwardt requested clarification on a sublicense service agreement (see video 21:55).
22:57 Min. Discussion of Old Business and Suggestions for Future Agenda Items
Ms. Sherwood announced an opening on the West Geauga Joint Recreation Board, especially hoping to get representation from the Newbury School District. The position will be advertised. Mrs. Leavenworth asked for information about the Newbury Trustees.
25:32 Min. Superintendent Report
Dr. Markwardt updated the Board on open staff positions and reminded them of ongoing summer projects, such as the Well Project and unnamed technological projects.
26:22 Min. Executive Session
Reasons provided for Executive Session were listed by Mrs. Sherwood as “...personnel matters: appointments and/or employment and compensation,” and specified that no action would be taken after return from Executive Session.
1:21:55 Min. Exit Executive Session (at 8:22 pm)
No Action Taken
Next Meeting: 6/24/2024 at 7:00 pm in the Board Office Community Room, 8615 Cedar Road in Chester Township
Observer: Dina Dean
Editor: Anne Ondrey
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: 6/23/24
The League of Women Voters of Geauga is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. They do not support or oppose individual candidates or parties. Learn more about the LWVG at www.lwvgeauga.org.